We get asked about skin tones so often that we thought we would share a really quick but effective processing trick with you.
The key to good skin tones is not just in the processing, so this will not be a miracle cure. You need to make sure that you have flattering light and great exposure to start, but sometimes you need to fix a slight color cast. Often we will forgo RAW and shoot jpgs for the quick processing and to save space. Rachel actually shoots both RAW and jpg at the same time with the D3 and will often just process the jpg while saving the RAW file for if it is ever needed. With proper exposure, all jpgs require are possibly a curves layer and some sharpening to be ready to go. Not everything needs the full RAW treatment.
Like this shot of Rachel’s daughter, Gemma. The light was nice and a little bump in curves was all it needed for exposure, but the setting sun reflecting off a red wooden fence has really added to the warm color cast in her skin.
We have included the before (left) and after (right) to show the results we got with 2 quick adjustment layers.
Here is what we did to fix the color cast.
It is a really simple trick and I am certain something that a lot you have seen before, but we thought a quick video would be helpful for those who are just really getting to know Photoshop. If you like the videos, we will look into doing more with a better production value, but for now, here you go! We have a new YouTube account, so if you are on YouTube, you can click to follow us there as well.
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Brilliant! Also very strange as I spent hours last night googling exactly this – simple fixes to skin tone – and then I wake up and here is the answer on your blog! Amazing, thank you.
Great tip, so simple but does a lot for a photo.
Thanks for using video. Really easy to follow! Great tip. Never used that feature on photoshop before.
Thanks so much, this is awesome! Can’t wait to see more videos!
For the curves adjustment did you just bump the mids using the eyedropper tool to sample the darker part of the skin?
No fair! She has really photogenic eyes! Hmph!
The best thing about this video is that I can hear your voice.
(Great tip as well!)
Love the video format – thanks so much! I’ve been trying to get beautiful coloring for skin tone and can’t wait to try this out.
Hey, wow, I was pronouncing Gemma’s name wrong (in my head, of course) all this time. Wow. Good to know, haha.
are there secrets for darker skin – latinas and african american for example. it seems certain photographers capture these tones better than others…
I think the key for any skin tone would be exposure. this tip can be used on any skin tone with different adjustments. it is also handy for changing colors of clothing and anything else!
thanks so much for sharing this!
it is very helpful!
Thank you very much!!!
oh, thank you so much!! that may be one of my biggest problems when editing – getting the skin tone right. i can’t wait to use this trick!! thanks!!
Yay, thank you for sharing this! I’ve tried and it works perfectly.
When shooting outside do you use an external flash? I am impressed with how well you photograph kids’ eyes. I have a difficult time; either someone is squinting, or has their head down to avoid the sun and casting dark shadows around their eyes, or something. Any suggestions?
Thank you
awesome. thanks for this.
am i crazy? isn’t the left the before photo? no need to publish this comment, i am just curious.
woops! thanks for pointing that out tracy!!
Thank you – this was super simple and helpful! Hope to see more of these.
Thank you soooo much! gah this helps a bunch. I am just learning and people forget that sometimes its the simple tricks that help the most! you both are the best by the way! thanks again!
thank you so much:):) LOVE The video, so helpful!
I don’t know why, but I feel very successful from the tutorials you post! I mean, I’m young, I have Photoshop and Photoshop Elements and Lightroom, and I have no idea how, but you guys just help! Loving this site and company. Its working awesome!
-Sarah